
Overview
Background
Olivia is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics and Director of Teaching and Learning at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland.
Her work sits at the intersection of nutrition science, the microbiome, and interprofessional practice, with a focus on nutritional resilience and personalised nutrition. She leads a program of research that explores how dietary patterns shape microbiome resilience and health outcomes, and how this knowledge can be translated into clinical practice, education, and policy.
Olivia’s research draws together diverse strands - including culinary nutrition, chronic disease prevention, Indigenous food systems, and AI-enabled analysis - into a cohesive program aimed at improving the lived experience of patients and communities. She has published widely in nutrition science and dietetics, and is actively pursuing national and international collaborations to advance understanding of the microbiome and its role in health resilience.
As a recognised leader in teaching and learning innovation, Olivia plays a central role in shaping the next generation of dietitians. She integrates AI, cultural safety, and inclusive design into her teaching to strengthen student confidence, belonging, and leadership. Her approach bridges education, research, and community engagement, ensuring that evidence does not just build knowledge but drives real-world impact across health systems and society.
Availability
- Dr Olivia Wright is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor, Queensland University of Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Member, Dietitians Association of Australia, Dietitians Association of Australia
Research interests
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Diet–microbiome resilience and personalised nutrition
I study how dietary patterns shape microbiome resilience and individual variability in metabolic and inflammatory outcomes.
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Culinary nutrition: translating evidence into practice
I design and evaluate culinary strategies that turn guidelines into practical, tasty meals for diverse populations and clinical needs. Projects span high-protein enrichment, Mediterranean-style patterns, and cost-conscious meal planning, across the life course.
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Culturally safe, sustainable food systems
I co-design nutrition solutions that respect First Nations knowledge and promote equitable access to uniquely Australian foods. Research links cultural safety, environmental sustainability, and food sovereignty to everyday eating.
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AI-enabled learning and assessment in dietetics education
I develop and study secure, culturally safe AI tools for feedback, simulation, and assessment design in health programs. Research targets belonging, capability building, and reliable evaluation of clinical and counselling skills.
Works
Search Professor Olivia Wright’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Book Chapter
Bioactive anthocyanins in selected fruits – a foodomics approach
Wright, Olivia R. L., Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Hong, Hung Trieu, Netzel, Gabriele, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Bioactive anthocyanins in selected fruits – a foodomics approach. Reference module in food science. (pp. 1-28) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-08-100596-5.22785-6
2020
Conference Publication
Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Food crops for the Future?
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh D. T., Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Food crops for the Future?. NSA Brisbane Group’s Virtual Research Showcase Events, Online, 25-26 August 2020.
2020
Conference Publication
Understanding the metabolic fate and bioactivity of dietary anthocyanins
Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Understanding the metabolic fate and bioactivity of dietary anthocyanins. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11–13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: M D P I AG. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036064
2020
Conference Publication
How do delicious strawberries help us reach our folate goals?
Netzel, Michael, Wright, Olivia, Hong, Hung T., Rychlik, Michael and O'Hare, Tim (2020). How do delicious strawberries help us reach our folate goals?. Science Week 2020, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 17-20 August 2020.
2020
Conference Publication
A potential source of functional ingredients: Australian grown Seapurslane (Sesuvium sp.)
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh, Hong, Hung, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). A potential source of functional ingredients: Australian grown Seapurslane (Sesuvium sp.). 2020 Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) Virtual Convention, Online, 23 June - 2 July 2020.
2020
Conference Publication
Exploring the ‘functionality’ of Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Seapurslane(Sesuvium sp.)
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh D. T., Hong, Hung T., Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Exploring the ‘functionality’ of Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Seapurslane(Sesuvium sp.). Science Week 2020, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-20 August 2020.
2019
Journal Article
Malnutrition screening and assessment in hospitalised older people: a review
Dent, Elsa, Hoogendijk, E. O., Visvanathan, R. and Wright, O. R.L. (2019). Malnutrition screening and assessment in hospitalised older people: a review. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 23 (5), 431-441. doi: 10.1007/s12603-019-1176-z
2019
Conference Publication
Understanding the nutritional value of anthocyanins
Netzel, Michael, Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Gabriele (2019). Understanding the nutritional value of anthocyanins. 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 27-30 November 2018. MDPI.
2019
Conference Publication
Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods
Wright, Olivia, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.
2019
Journal Article
New insights into the anorexia of ageing: from prevention to treatment
Dent, Elsa, Hoogendijk, Emiel O. and Wright, Olivia R L (2019). New insights into the anorexia of ageing: from prevention to treatment. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 22 (1), 44-51. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000525
2019
Conference Publication
Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.)
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh, Hong, Hung, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.). 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo
Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective
Netzel, Michael, Rychlik, Michael, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.
2018
Journal Article
Nutrition therapy for the management of cancer-related fatigue and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Baguley, Brenton J., Skinner, Tina L. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2018). Nutrition therapy for the management of cancer-related fatigue and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition, 122 (05) PII S000711451800363X, 1-15. doi: 10.1017/S000711451800363X
2018
Journal Article
Response to 'Clinical relevance and validity of obesity risk prediction tools' by Redsell et al
Canfell, Oliver J., Littlewood, Robyn, Wright, Olivia R. L. and Walker, Jacqueline L. (2018). Response to 'Clinical relevance and validity of obesity risk prediction tools' by Redsell et al. Public Health Nutrition, 21 (17), 1-2. doi: 10.1017/S1368980018002471
2018
Journal Article
Bioavailability of a novel form of microencapsulated bovine lactoferrin and its effect on inflammatory markers and the gut microbiome: a pilot study
Dix, Clare and Wright, Olivia (2018). Bioavailability of a novel form of microencapsulated bovine lactoferrin and its effect on inflammatory markers and the gut microbiome: a pilot study. Nutrients, 10 (8) 1115, 1115. doi: 10.3390/nu10081115
2018
Journal Article
Clinical relevance and validity of tools to predict infant, childhood and adulthood obesity: a systematic review
Canfell, Oliver J., Littlewood, Robyn, Wright, Olivia R. L. and Walker, Jacqueline L. (2018). Clinical relevance and validity of tools to predict infant, childhood and adulthood obesity: a systematic review. Public Health Nutrition, 21 (17), 1-13. doi: 10.1017/S1368980018001684
2018
Journal Article
Nutritional screening and dietitian consultation rates in a geriatric evaluation and management unit
Dent, Elsa, Wright, Olivia, Hoogendijk, Emiel O and Hubbard, Ruth E (2018). Nutritional screening and dietitian consultation rates in a geriatric evaluation and management unit. Nutrition and Dietetics, 75 (1), 11-16. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12391
2018
Conference Publication
Vitamin D deficiency pre and post sleeve gastrectomy
Dix, Clare, Bauer, Judith, Agnew, Kate and Wright, Olivia (2018). Vitamin D deficiency pre and post sleeve gastrectomy. Dietitians Association of Australia, 35th National Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 17-19 May 2018. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12427
2017
Journal Article
The role of vitamin D in adipogenesis
Dix, Clare F., Barcley, Johanna L. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2017). The role of vitamin D in adipogenesis. Nutrition Reviews, 76 (1), 47-59. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nux056
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Olivia Wright is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
The practice and effectiveness of the Accredited Practising Dietitian in multidisciplinary outpatient treatment of eating disorders
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Dietary patterns and molecular mechanisms associated with the pathogenicity of appendicitis in humans
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Daniel Hwang, Professor Eugeni Roura
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Doctor Philosophy
Recruitment and Retention of Allied Health Professionals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lauren Ball, Dr Karly Bartrim
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Impact of Culinary Education on Adolescents¿ Psychosocial Wellbeing
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Breanna Lepre, Dr Aoife-Marie Foran, Professor Lauren Ball
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring and understanding the nutritional quality and functional properties of wild harvested Australian grown elderberries (native elderberries)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Michael Netzel
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Opening the Discussion on Harnessing Traditional Knowledge and Plants for Indigenous Health: Development of a Bush Food-based Carbonated Beverage
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Therapeutic Value of Mealtimes in Rehabilitation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adrienne Young, Dr Emmah Doig
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARDS THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH ADHERENCE: A COLLABORATIVE STUDY BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND SPAIN
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jacki Walker, Professor Eugeni Roura
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The Influence of Diet and Exercise on Prostate Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Investigations into the bone health of men on the prostate cancer continuum: A focus on osteoporosis and health behaviours
Principal Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Are We Ready for the Future? An Exploration of Australian Dietitians' Competence, Preparedness, and Experiences Working in Aged Care
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lauren Ball
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Australian indigenous edible halophytes - potential sources of functional ingredients
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Michael Netzel
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
i-PATHWAY: a clinical prediction model to prevent childhood obesity
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Robyn Littlewood, Dr Jacki Walker
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Australian Residential Aged Care Foodservices Menu design, quality and standards - a time for action
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sandra Capra
Media
Enquiries
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